Niujie Mosque
The Niujie Mosque in Beijing is located in Xuanwu District. It is one of the greatest spiritual centers in China for the 10,000 Muslims staying in living in the locality. This mosque is a mix of Chinese and Islamic cultures. The outer side of the mosque shows the Chinese influence while the interior decoration is fertile in Islamic flavor.
The Niujie Mosque was founded in 996 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), was rebuilt in 1442 in the Ming Dynasty and it was enlarged in 1696 under the Qing Dynasty. The Mosque has an observation tower, minaret with a pavilion on both side and a prayer hall. The observation tower is behind the entrance, built and originally used for galactic observations needed for drafting the Islamic calendar. The hexagonal structure made up of wood has an appearance of Chinese designs outside but the interior reflects the Islamic style, with some Arabic designing on the beams and the ceiling.
The prayer hall inside the Niujie Mosque consists of five major areas. The three central areas are divided into five bays and the two side wings have simple ceilings with beams laid lengthwise. At the entrance, the ceiling carries the Arabic names of famous imams around the world. Chinese cloud and flower paintings unify with Arabic inscriptions and designs on the coffered ceilings, and the chandeliers reminds us of Venetian glass. An arch is there between each pair of pillars, glittering with gold patterns.
The Niujie Mosque used to be a printing house. You will get to see Koran manuscripts and old wooden printing blocks in the imam's library. Towards the south of the courtyard are the women's and men's prayer-preparation lavatories. Long-beaked kettles are there for the devout to wash their ears, nostrils and mouth. It is considered profane to enter the mosque without cleaning one’s own self.
Niujie Mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors. But they have to make preparations in advance. They may take a look around and get some explanations from the staff or imams of the Islamic Society. But while prayers are going on, the non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter the prayer hall.
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